John L. Drake II brings 38 years of leadership and operational experience to the post in Vancouver, and he will begin his time as fire chief on Dec. 29
Following a nationwide search, a former leader of the Los Angeles City Fire Department has been selected as Vancouver’s new fire chief.
John L. Drake II will start as chief on Dec. 29, according to City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. Drake will succeed Brennan Blue, who retired as chief earlier this year.
“I am truly honored to serve the Vancouver community as your next fire chief,” Drake said. “I am grateful to our city leaders, public safety personnel, and community members for their support throughout the selection process. I look forward to serving not only as your fire chief, but as a collaborative public safety partner working to ensure a safe and prepared community.”
Drake brings 38 years of leadership and operational experience in fire and emergency services to Vancouver. He is a retired chief deputy of emergency operations for the Los Angeles City Fire Department and served as acting fire chief, overseeing one of the nation’s largest fire departments. His career includes directing large-scale emergency operations, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and leading more than 3,400 personnel across organizational services, safety, and community resilience advancements.
Drake holds a doctorate in policy, planning, and development from the University of Southern California, where he also taught public-sector performance management and emergency services improvement.
“I am excited to have Chief Drake joining Vancouver,” Pluckhahn said. “With his extensive public safety experience, commitment to strengthening emergency operations, and drive to advance community resilience, he will inspire and challenge our fire service. As fire and emergency service needs grow and evolve, Chief Drake’s insight and strategic approach will be invaluable.”
As chief, Drake will lead a fire department focused on meeting the evolving needs of Vancouver’s growing community. Drawing on his background in strategic planning and performance management, he will work to further strengthen service delivery, operational readiness, and community response.
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